Those who dress up as Santa Claus are trained to spread joy and create a special moment for every child they meet, even if it might be that child’s last moment.

Eric Schmitt-Matzen has been Santa Claus for a while and usually works around 80 gigs a year, according to USA Today. He’s 6-feet tall and weighs around 310, allowing “just enough” room for kids to jump onto his lap and into his arms.

When he got the hospital, the boy’s entire family was there and gave Schmitt-Matzen a toy to give to the little guy.

Schmitt-Matzen said he just asked one thing of the family: to not let him see them cry.

“I sized up the situation and said ‘If you think you’re going to lose it, please leave the room. If I see you crying, I’ll break down and can’t do my job.’”

After that, no one went into the child’s room with him.

“When I walked in, he was laying there, so weak it looked like he was ready to fall asleep. I sat down on his bed and asked, ‘Say, what’s this I hear about you’re going to miss Christmas? There’s no way you can miss Christmas! Why, you’re my Number One elf!

The little boy asked “I am?” and Schmitt-Matzen said he replied “Sure!”

He gave the little boy the present, who then flashed a big smile when he realized what was inside, but he wanted just one more thing from Santa.

Schmitt-Matzen said the boy asked where he would be going after he died. As Santa, he answered “Can you do me a big favor?”

The boy said “Sure!”

And Schmitt-Matzen said “When you get there, you tell them you’re Santa’s Number One elf and I know they’ll let you in.”

Then the little boy sat up and tried to give Schmitt-Matzen a hug but asked “Santa, can you help me?”

“I wrapped my arms around him. Before I could say anything, he died right there. I let him stay, just kept hugging and holding on to him."

Schmitt-Matzen said then the boy’s family noticed what happened and rushed into the room. His mother cried “No, not yet!” as Santa gave her back her son.

“I spent four years in the Army with the 75th Rangers, and I’ve seen my share of (stuff). But I ran by the nurses’ station bawling my head off. I know nurses and doctors see things like that every day, but I don’t know how they can take it,’” he said.

Schmitt-Matzen said left the hospital crying and even considered hanging up his suit for good but he knew other kids needed the cheeriness of Santa Claus as well.

“When I saw all those children laughing, it brought me back into the fold. It made me realize the role I have to play,” said Schmitt-Matzen. “For them and for me.”